Earth came to the brink of extinction due to a meteorite that fell 66 million years ago, thus ending the age of dinosaurs. While it is thought that such a disaster may occur in the future, it is a matter of debate when it will happen. Although 66 million years seems very far away, it may not be another 66 million years for this event to repeat itself. Because in the very recent past, a similar event almost happened again.
Not much, just 1,600 years ago, Chinese astronomers recorded that Earth was on the brink of extinction. University of Cincinnati researchers examined the inscriptions that 69 comets were recorded by Chinese astronomers between 252 and 383 and found evidence that this comet exploded over the Ohio River Valley.
The comet did not fall to Earth, but exploded in midair. Stating that such explosions, known as air explosions, can be at least as destructive as the impact, the researchers say that if a similar event occurs today, it could have devastating effects on the surrounding settlements and population.
According to research published in the journal Scientific Reports, it is stated that the explosion has effects up to 9,200 square miles around the Ohio River.
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